Obama at George Clooney's house: Neighbors brace for starmageddon

Studio City residents are bracing for a glitzy, celebrity-packed, traffic-jam-inducing fundraiser in their backyard on Thursday, when George Clooney hosts a re-election bash for President Obama.

At least 150 people - plus a presidential entourage, Secret Service detail, caterers, staff, etc. - are expected at the actor's Studio City home just off busy Laurel Canyon Boulevard.

Published reports estimate Obama could take in $12 million for his re-election, making it potentially the biggest presidential fundraiser in the nation's history.

That's all fine and good, Studio City residents said Tuesday, but when you get two superpower names like Clooney and Obama in one place, the traffic is sure to be a nasty mix of SigAlerts and bottlenecks.

The Secret Service is mum on the president's route and won't reveal road closures until the last minute, said Los Angeles Police Department spokesman Bruce Borihahn.

"It's sort of an irritant," Alan Dymond, president of the Studio City Residents Association, said of the lack of information.

"I think the Secret Service is being pragmatic about it," Dymond said. "People understand that this is part of living in Studio City."

That's prompted all kinds of speculation from residents about how exactly the commander in chief will arrive in Studio City. A helicopter to a nearby school and quick ride to the house? A motorcade over the hill on Laurel Canyon Boulevard? Will they stop traffic on Ventura Boulevard?

Los Angeles City Councilman Paul Krekorian gave a brief statement on Twitter on Tuesday confirming the president's visit.

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"The president is slated to visit the Studio City hills this week," he wrote. "We're in the process of getting information (regarding) road closures, detours, etc. But please be aware there could be instances when you may be rerouted if you live in the region."

Dymond said residents will receive updates on Twitter and other social media sites when more information is available. Yet despite what will likely be an inconvenience on highways and boulevards on Thursday, Dymond and others recognized the historic nature of the president's visit.

The visit will mark Obama's first visit to a Valley residential neighborhood since he became president. His previous trips to the area were to media studios in Burbank and Glendale.

Fiona Hutton lives just a few homes away from Clooney. Trucks filled with party supplies have rumbled up and down the road all morning, she said. Monday night, military helicopters roared over her home.

Hutton said that while she's concerned about traffic logistics, such as picking up her children at school or getting back to her house, she plans to be outside to try to catch a glimpse of Obama.

And she's challenged her son to make a large banner to welcome the president.

"I think there's a lot of excitement in the air," she said. "There's a lot of buzz in Studio City about the visit. It's not very often you can say the president is visiting your street."

It's unclear if the president will attend any other functions in the Valley, said Esther Walker, executive director for the Studio City Chamber of Commerce and Farmers Market.

But the president's visit, combined with Clooney's name, can only help Studio City, she said.

"It will bolster interest among tourists," she said.

When Angelina Jolie was spotted at the Studio City Farmers Market a few months ago, there was an increase in visitors for weeks after, Walker said.

"People who live in Studio City are used to seeing celebrities at coffeehouses or the stores, so it doesn't affect them," Walker said.

"But this fundraiser definitely can't hurt. We'll get a lot of tourists."

"I think it's extraordinary to have the president of the United States visit the San Fernando Valley," said Eric C. Bauman, chairman of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party.

"Our Valley is the perfect place for the heart and soul of America. It has urban features and suburban features and diverse population. And it's a place that certainly will welcome the president with open arms."

And as for the traffic?

"From 3 p.m. to 6 at night, traffic in the Valley doesn't move anyway," Bauman said. "Having the president here won't be any different than any other rush hour."